From machinery to the first adhesive: How the TOPCORE story began

Welcome to the First Episode of Evolution of TOPCORE

In this series, we’ll take you on a step-by-step journey through the history of our company. Today, we return to where it all began—the moment when a group of friends united their efforts and laid the foundations for a brand that is now one of the leading innovators in the global paper industry.

A Partnership Built on Trust

At the start of it all, there was a group of former university classmates. Strong relationships, mutual trust, and a shared expertise in engineering created the perfect foundation for launching a business. However, this collaboration didn’t happen immediately. After university, the three future co-founders of TOPCORE went their separate ways—some establishing their first ventures, while others took on leadership roles in international companies.

Fate, however, brought them back together. They all recognized a significant opportunity in the market: the construction and manufacturing of machines for the paper industry—a niche few companies dared to explore. And so, the first chapter of TOPCORE was written, focusing on delivering high-quality, precision-engineered machinery.

The First Major Challenge

One day, while delivering a machine for producing paper tubes, a satisfied customer asked: “Do you also supply the adhesive I need for this process?” Without hesitation, the team replied: “Of course, no problem.”

This question marked the beginning of a new chapter. Despite having no prior experience in adhesive production, the team committed to fulfilling the request. The customer ordered an initial trial batch of 50 kilograms, and the founders got to work with the same determination that continues to define TOPCORE today.

The First Adhesive: A Recipe Born in a Garage

The team turned a home garage into an improvised laboratory. Using basic kitchen appliances and countless hours of experimentation, they developed their first formula for dextrin adhesive. It was a process filled with trial and error, but the result was a product the customer praised.

Not only that—the satisfied customer placed an incredible follow-up order for 12 tons of adhesive. This pivotal moment proved to the founders that they had the potential to succeed not only in machinery but also in the emerging market for environmentally friendly adhesives for the paper industry.

A New Vision: Machines and Adhesives

The first 12-ton order for dextrin adhesive was not only a validation of the team’s hard work but also an inspiration to redefine their mission. TOPCORE expanded its focus: alongside machines for the paper industry, the company now offered adhesives that promised to transform the market.

The Start of Something Bigger

This defining moment laid the groundwork for what TOPCORE would become. It is a story of boldness, creativity, and a deep belief in teamwork. These elements helped the company overcome its initial challenges and chart a course for future growth.

In the next episode, we’ll explore how TOPCORE entered international markets and began delivering its products to customers across Europe.